(19)

(11)

EP 2 129 304 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.12.2009 Bulletin 2009/50 (21) Application number: 08730413.5 (22) Date of filing: 21.02.2008

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 17/16(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2008/054607 (87) International publication number: WO 2008/103843 (28.08.2008 Gazette 2008/35)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (30) Priority: 22.02.2007 US 891159 P (71) Applicant: Spinal Elements, Inc. California 92010 (US)	(72) Inventors: BLAIN, Jason Encinitas, CA 92024 (US) KOVACH, Eric, J. Carlsbad, CA 92010 (US) (74) Representative: Pfenning, Meinig & Partner GbR  Patent- und Rechtsanwälte Joachimstaler Strasse 10-12 10719 Berlin 10719 Berlin (DE)